This air fryer garlic bread is extra crispy on the outside, soft and buttery in the center, and packed with garlic flavor. It comes together in minutes with simple ingredients and is perfect for pasta nights, soups, or dunking in marinara.
In this house, once garlic bread hits the table, nothing else really stands a chance. My husband will happily add garlic to everything, and my younger daughter would choose bread over just about anything. So, this air fryer garlic bread is practically inevitable around here. It is crisp on the outside, soft in the center, and ready in literal minutes. That gives me just enough time to make garlic butter noodles or chicken and white bean soup to serve alongside it.
Why We Love This Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe
- Perfect texture. Garlic bread in the air fryer gets crisp on the outside while the inside stays warm, soft, and buttery.
- Quick and easy. All you do is spread the butter, add the minced garlic, and let the air fryer do the rest. The bread is ready in 5 minutes.
- No oven needed. This garlic toast is great for nights when you do not want to heat up the kitchen or pull out the sheet pans.
- Pairs with everything. Serve it with pasta, soup, or salads, or slice it up and serve it as a game day appetizer with dipping sauces. Our kids are firmly team avocado lime ranch dressing and marinara, or this homemade ranch dip. I, on the other hand, will happily try them all.
What You’ll Need
This air fryer garlic bread recipe features just three main ingredients and a sprinkle of parsley. You may already have everything you need!
- Bread. French bread works great, but Italian bread will also work, although it is generally shorter than a French loaf. Please use unsliced bread for this recipe.
- Unsalted butter. Make sure the butter is soft enough to spread easily. Salted butter can be used if that’s what you prefer.
- Fresh garlic. Adjust the amount based on how garlicky you like your bread. If you do not have fresh garlic, you can substitute garlic powder. Use 1 to 1½ teaspoons of garlic powder in place of the fresh garlic cloves.
- Dried parsley. Adds color and a light herby finish. Adjust the amount to taste.
Recipe Tips
- Soft butter matters. Make sure the butter is very soft so it spreads easily without tearing the bread.
- Watch the timing. Air fryers vary, so keep an eye on the bread the first time you make this.
- Hands off. Do not flip the bread while it cooks. This keeps the inside soft and buttery.
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Air-fry the bread in batches so air can circulate and the edges crisp up.
- Slice after cooking. Cutting the bread after air frying is faster and gives you a softer center.
Variations
- Cheesy garlic bread. Just like I do in my cheesy zucchini breadsticks, you can sprinkle shredded mozzarella, mild cheddar, or parmesan over the bread during the last 1 to 2 minutes of air frying.
- Extra herbs. You can also use Italian seasoning, your favorite dried herbs, or extra dried parsley for more flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can do either. Slicing before air frying gives crisp edges on every piece but takes more prep time. Slicing after air frying is faster and keeps the inside edges softer.
Yes. Place frozen garlic bread directly in the air fryer and cook at 370°F until heated through and crisp. Cooking time may vary based on thickness.
A garlic press is the quickest and easiest option. If you do not have one, finely mince the garlic with a knife.
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Prep. Set the air fryer to preheat at 370℉.
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Prepare the bread. Meanwhile, cut the bread in half, then slice each half longwise to get two top halves and two bottom halves.
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Add the butter and garlic. Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter onto the cut sides of each quarter of bread. Mince the garlic and spread it over the butter on the bread slices. Then sprinkle on the parsley.
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Cook. Transfer two bread pieces at a time to the air fryer basket and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp on the edges.
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Serve. Once done, let the garlic bread cool slightly, then cut each quarter into five slices and enjoy.
- Make it cheesy. If adding cheese, sprinkle about ¼ cup shredded mozzarella over the bread during the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking.
- Storage. Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 390°F for about 2 minutes, or until warmed through.
Serving: 3slices | Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 521mg | Potassium: 95mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 474IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 3mg
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
How To Store Leftovers
- Refrigerator. Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
- Freezer. This garlic bread can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat. Reheat in the air fryer at 390°F for about 2 minutes, or until warmed through.
